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State Transportation Secretary Gene Conti reminds motorists to not drink and drive as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. State and local law enforcement officers will be cracking down as part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s St. Patrick’s Day “Booze It & Lose It” campaign.

“Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk,” Conti said. “Not only do you risk injuring yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired are significant.” There were 154 alcohol-related crashes on North Carolina roads during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day campaign, which ended in four fatalities and 12 injuries. The “Booze It & Lose It” campaign begins today and ends March 17. Officers will conduct stepped-up patrols and checkpoints statewide throughout the week. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day: * Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; * Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home; * If you are impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely; * If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement; * And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.